Research Article

Pregnant women’s perceptions on provision of support during Pregnancy and child birth

¹Charity Chongo (Msc) and *²Catherine M. Ngoma (PhD)

¹Mufulira School of Midwifery, Mufulira, Zambia

²Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Zambia, Zambia

*Corresponding Author E-mail:  catherinengoma@yahoo.com, catherine.ngoma@unza.zm

Accepted 16 July 2014

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the pregnant women’s perceptions on husbands’ provision of support during pregnancy and labour in order to encourage men’s participation in maternal health services with the view of improving maternal health. A purposive sample of thirty four (34) married expectant mothers aged twenty (20) to forty nine (49) years participated in four focus group discussions. The focus group discussions were conducted in at two urban health centers in Kantashi Township, Mufulira, using a focus group discussion guide. Four focus group discussions were conducted. The focus group discussions were recorded on a tape recorder. Transcription of the data was done immediately after each interview. Transcripts were coded, word for word and this resulted in an initial cording scheme. This was scrutinized for any repetitions. The findings were that most of the pregnant women reported that they wanted husbands to help them with house work and prepare for the coming baby. The women stated that they wanted husbands to support them financial to help them buy food and meet stipulated requirements at the health centers. Many reported that they would want their husbands to accompany them to health facilities for delivery; however they did want husbands to present during childbirth. Understanding pregnant women’s perceptions on husbands’ provision of support during pregnancy and labour may help in designing health education messages that may motivate and encourage men to participate in maternal health services provision and ultimately lead improved maternal health care services.

Keywords: childbirth, perceptions, pregnant women, Pregnancy, Provision of support, Zambia